PES 2012 release date announced

The Japanese company described the title as the "most ambitious and advanced football game ever".

It goes live on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

PES holds the official license to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. In PES 2012, referees and their assistants sport official UEFA Champions League uniforms.

"PES 2012 is a massive advance for the football genre, truly the most ambitious and advanced football game ever," said Jon Murphy, European PES Team Leader.

"The additions we have made in terms of Teammate Control, Active AI and Off the Ball Control and elevate the level of play to new heights. No other game allows users so much control over their team, and PES 2012 ensures that the days of gaps in defence and shouting at teammates to make a run are long gone.

"This is a very exciting time to be a PES fan, and we are delighted that we can set a firm date for football fans to mark in their calendars."

Release dates for the PSP, PS2 and Wii versions will be announced shortly, Konami said.